We hold two formal conference days per year in our grade 5-8 middle =
school. One in October and one in April. Students are a part of all =
conferences which we refer to as "family conferences" rather than =
parent/teacher conferences. Including the learner in the process is =
mission-directed for us, but also in line with best practices and good =
for many reasons, not the least of which is a short-circuiting of the =
"blame game" so common in conferences. Our lower and high schools also =
hold family conferences but the format varies.
The first conference for us is one in which student/advisor/parent are =
all a part. The advisor facilitates the conference having collected =
necessary information on the child from all subject area teachers. The =
spring conference is "student-led." Advisors train students in the =
process of goal setting, self-reflection, portfolio development and =
agenda creation. Everyone is very happy with the process. All =
conferences are roughly 30-minutes in length. I've also experienced =
these as a parent and they are truly remarkable. I can't recommend them =
more strongly.
Best,
=20
George Swain
Head of Middle School
Poughkeepsie Day School
845-462-7600 ext. 222
-----Original Message-----
From: A forum for independent school educators =
[mailto:ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Dean
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2010 7:09 AM
To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Query - Parent/Teacher Conferences format
Hello,
I have a couple questions regarding the concept and practice of =
parent/teacher conferences in your schools:
1) Do you hold parent/teacher conference days/nights during the school =
year? How often?=A0
2) Could you describe the format you currently use as well as the pros =
and cons of the actual event?
Many thanks,
Dean J. FustoHead of upper schoolAssistant head of =
schoolwww.bement.orgAuthor, The Next Best Thing To Being There
=20
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